If you are anything like my husband and I, you need quality time with the person you love. I suppose the term "quality time" is a bit of stretch because we define it in a variety of ways. Sometimes we get our fill by merely sitting next to each other for a few hours binge watching "How I Met Your Mother", going rock climbing and over using the phrase "Good climb babe", or planning out intricate and slightly over our budget dates every once in a while. Regardless of whatever type of quality time you like, dating, spending time together, and making the effort really helps deepen a relationship.
I've read countless articles on 50 free date ideas, 20 creative date ideas, 10 date ideas to try tonight, etc. etc., so I figured I am going to add to that list by documenting and sharing some of the date ideas my husband and I have planned since being married. The first few weeks of marriage we let our busy lives keep us from making intentional dating time (aside from binge watching HIMYM because we always have time for that). After a few weeks we noticed our communication was off, and we didn't feel like we were seeing each other as much (even though we are living together). We realized we had not gone on a real date since a few weeks before our wedding. The month of our wedding was such a wonderful, busy whirlwind but like most couples, we let time get away from us and aside from dates on the honeymoon, forgot about that part!
Because our schedules are so varied and, let's face it, I'm exhausted all the time, we opted out of setting a regular date night. Instead of setting a specific date night each week (i.e. every Tuesday is our date night), we decided that each Sunday we would pick a date night for the following week. So from now to eternity (or however long the calendars in our phones last) we get a notification saying we need to plan a date for the following week on Sunday at 2:30pm.
So far, this has worked well for us. We've had a date pretty much scheduled on every day of the week this way and that leaves wiggle room for my over exhaustion, any sickness, change in schedules, etc. that may come up!
Now to document and hopefully inspire a few date ideas that you can use as well!
1. Dave and Buster's
While on the pricy side, we had dinner and got to play a bunch of games! Side note: we helped a crying child find his family this night. So sad, but so sweet. Daniel will make such a great dad one day! A cheaper alternative is Nickelrama in Garland, TX. All the games cost a NICKEL. Daniel and I go all the time...we're kids at heart!
2. Steel City Pops
It took both Daniel and I a while to jump on the popsicle band wagon, but I'm not sure why because these were so good! There were way too many flavors to choose from. Just thinking about this makes me want to go back and try at least three more! Pretty sure he got passion fruit and I got watermelon.
3. Game Night
We registered for games like Settler's of Catan, Life, Heads up, etc. So of course we wanted to see how our life together would turn out ;) Daniel won.
4. Football Game!
This one was perfect since it was SMU v. UNT, where we both went to school! SMU won, I might add. :)
5. Rock Climbing
One of our favorite activities together, aside from swimming. Go to http://summitgyms.com/ to find locations and schedules! They offer yoga classes, too!
6. Medieval Times
This was a family date with my parents and my niece and nephew, but it counts! We had so much fun. Little Hannah adores her Uncle Daniel, and I love that! Plus, who doesn't love eating with their hands?
7. Dallas Arboretum, or just a walk in the park
I LOVE going on walks and recently got Daniel to come along with me. We had SO much fun. There is a walking trail near our townhouse with old workout stations along the way. Pull up bars, parallel bars, and other weird contraptions that are supposed to help get you into shape. At least we laughed a lot attempting to do the workouts.
8. Texas State Fair
Because, it's the Texas State Fair.
9. White Rock Lake
Biking, walking, running trails and a place to rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes! Bonus: this is where he proposed so we are making an effort to go back here more often!
We have unofficially traded off weeks to plan a date, but usually we come up with what we will do for our date together. A surprise every once in a while is fun, but we both like to be a part of the planning and enjoy coming up with new experiences for us to share together :)

